The final round of MSU Idol came to an emotional and exciting conclusion on Wednesday night when Jessica Brown was announced as the winner. The final two contestants, Ke-Standra Coleman and Brown, performed at the Bettersworth Auditorium in Lee Hall for the title of MSU Idol. The girls each sang two songs: one they had previously performed in the Idol competition and one they chose on their own.
The 2010 MSU Idol, Brown is a junior education major with a powerful, soulful voice.
She sang “Reflections” by Christina Aguilera and her own meaningful rendition of the gospel song “I Won’t Complain.”
The circumstances surrounding her powerful final performance were special. She sang an unconventional, powerful and a capella version of the gospel song, and it received an emotional response from the audience as well as the judges.
Heidie Lindsey, associate director of the Colvard Student Union, was one of the judges for MSU Idol.
“The MSU Idol contestants were great – it was an amazing performance. It was an honor to judge the final round, and I hope to hear from both of these young women in the future,” Lindsey said.
Lindsey has judged several pageants and has been involved with the Miss America system.
For the final round of MSU Idol, she said she was judging more on showmanship and stage presence, but she still kept appearance in mind. She said both girls looked and performed very well.
Lacey Johnson, a senior marketing major as well as the Campus Activities Board Entertainment Division head, said she was very pleased with this year’s Idol competition.
“Overall it was great, I’m very pleased. The MSU Idol is not only a great way for students to see the talent of their peers, but also a great way to get involved and come support the MSU student body,” she said.
Anna Kathryn Abernathy, a sophomore clinical exercise physiology major, attended the final round.
“I love the emotions that both of the contestants brought to the stage,” she said. “It was not exactly what I was expecting, but I was impressed. I’m sure that MSU will see a lot from Jessica Brown.”
Lindsey said the crowd responded strongly to Brown’s last performance.
“The crowd’s reaction to Jessica’s final song was intense to say the least,” Lindsey said.
The gospel song moved Brown as well as many of the audience members to tears.
Brown said she was very excited and honored to be named the 2010 MSU Idol.
“It [winning the Idol competition] feels weird. I have never really won anything before,” she said.
The Campus Activities Board sponsors MSU Idol each year. For more information regarding future CAB events, visit the Union, Suite 310, or contact them at [email protected].